Have you ever looked at a beautiful photograph of a gorgeous sunrise and thought: “Wow, I wish I could have been there,” only to forget about it two minutes later when you realized the ungodly hour you’d have to wake up to see it? Well, here’s a little friendly reminder to go out there and chase your dreams (or, this one, at least) and see a real sunrise! That’s right: a real sunrise. Not a photograph, not one on television, not even the one when you wake up at four in the morning and accidentally see because you couldn’t fall back asleep. An actual, picturesque sunrise that requires some effort to witness. Still unconvinced? Well, maybe a story will get you interested a little and even inspire you. I myself have been on a sunrise hike (two, to be exact) and I have to admit, it’s pretty difficult trying to get oneself up at four-thirty in the morning. Please note, you do not have to get up this early; it all depends on where you’re going for sunrise sight-seeing and how long you think it will take you to get your lazy butt out of bed.

I highly recommend the loudest, most obnoxious alarm you can set on your phone or clock, provided that you are the only one around to hear it, so that way you can ensure you’ll get up on time. Also, invite some friends or family, they’ll make sure you’re fully awake by the appointed time and that you’ll be at the trailhead for certain. While I know some people have their favorite hiking or walking routes, for this adventure, it’s best if you have an unobstructed view of the horizon. Now, I’m not banning artsy photos of the sun rising behind pine trees or buildings or anything, but if you want to actually see the sun rise, then a bird’s eye view or a great, flat expanse of field or anything like that is better. If you live near the coast, watching the sun rise over the ocean would also be amazing (you think this is a recommendation? I mean it, go see the sun rise over the ocean. It’s probably the most wonderful sight you’ll ever see, right above box of kittens, but below million dollar check).

Once you’re up on your feet, though, half the battle is won. Scout’s Honor, once you’re walking along the dirt trail or winding road, you’ll start to perk up and you’ll notice things that you never had during the day time. Such as how quiet the world can be without the usual hustle and bustle of traffic, how pretty (and loud) birdsong is when mingled with rustling underbrush and the chirping of frogs (so far, I have only heard frogs make a sort of chirping noise, not a deep-throated ribbet) and how much greener the trees look in the first rays of dawn. Dew collects on blades of grass, nighttime animals are just beginning to retire, and there is a general air of peace and calm that settles over the area.

You begin to think that the walk to your destination will be better than the sight you’ll see, but trust me, the mile or more walk to your predetermined viewing spot is all worth it. The sun, whether rising over a mountain or sailing over a lake, is just beautiful. It's something that I can't really describe accurately, but I definitely agree it's something someone has to see in person. A picture, whether painted or photographed, doesn't do this sight justice. Which is my last piece of motivation. If you actually want to see something, you have to go out and see it yourself. Yes, television and the internet has made it easy for us to watch the sun rise in the comfort of our beds/couches, but it's just not the same. So go out there and see what must be seen! In the words of Disney's Russell from Up, "Adventure is out there!"